This was posted on the Honyaku Japanese-English translation mailing list:

Anthony J. Bryant, author and friend, passed away yesterday. He helped introduce many to Japanese history, and made history come alive. He will be greatly missed. Below is the note from his Facebook page announcing his passing:

======================From his FaceBook page:

To all who knew and loved Tony,

I have been asked by his family to post the news of his sudden passing on December 25, 2013 at 12:30 P.M.

In an effort to create an accurate and comprehensive obituary, the family has asked me acquire details regarding his degrees, credentials and accomplishments pertaining to his college education at Florida State University, his literary publications, life and work in Japan, Virginia and Florida as well as his personal affiliations.

Time is of the essence, since his family wishes to publish Tony's obituary as soon as possible. If you have any confirmed information regarding his background, particularly the categories mentioned above, then please forward those details by messaging me personally on Facebook or by e-mail, at LisaDRentz@Yahoo.com.

Thank you so much for your consideration in this matter as well as your friendship with Tony. I have told his family members who are not on Facebook about all of the thoughtful posts and best wishes for his recovery. They were touched and wished for me to extend their appreciation to all of you.... Tony may be gone from us but he was too special and unique to be forgotten.

I used to visit another Japanese language forum ages ago but I had completely forgotten my username and password ! I got back here a few days ago, I saw this post and my heart sank!

Over the other language board I remember Tony Bryant as a very lovely person, so knowledgeable and so helpful. I corresponded with him years ago on Japanese language and that he had actually answered some of my questions, it was always a delight to hear from!